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ServiceNow is seeking a Senior Labour Relations Manager to lead Works Council and employee representation engagement across Germany and Austria, reporting directly to the VP of HR EMEA. This newly created role is based in Munich and serves as the primary point of contact for Works Council and statutory employee representation relationships in both countries.
Key Responsibilities:
Relationship Management & Strategic Partnership: Build and maintain trusted relationships with Works Council representatives, employee delegates, and trade unions. Serve as the primary liaison between ServiceNow leadership and Works Councils, ensuring clear and consistent communication. Develop and execute proactive engagement strategies that balance business needs with employee representation. Support stakeholder alignment across HR, Legal, Communications, and business leadership on labour relations matters.
Statutory Compliance & Consultation: Ensure compliance with labour law and Works Council requirements across Germany and Austria. Negotiate Works Council agreements and employment-related initiatives aligned with strategic objectives and employee interests. Lead formal consultation processes and collective engagement initiatives, including negotiation of collective agreements and works council agreements. Partner with Legal to assess employment law impacts and mitigate legal risk.
Organisational Change & Restructuring: Lead Works Council engagement and formal consultation on significant organisational changes, restructurings, and workforce decisions. Develop communication strategies and consultation plans that are legally compliant and respectful of employee voice. Provide labour relations counsel to HRBPs and business leaders navigating complex people decisions.
Policy & Process Development: Develop and maintain labour relations policies, processes, and frameworks aligned with applicable legal requirements. Conduct regular legal and regulatory landscape analysis to anticipate changes. Provide guidance on employee relations best practice and escalation protocols. Improve processes and drive consistency in social dialogue and employee representation. Provide training and support to managers on labour relations policies and practices.
Requirements:
Required: 7+ years of progressive labour relations, employee relations, or HR experience; deep expertise in Works Council laws and practice in Germany and Austria; demonstrated experience leading large-scale organisational change and restructuring consultation processes; strong understanding of collective bargaining, statutory consultation, and German and Austrian employment law; excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills with ability to build trust across contentious issues; fluency in English and German (essential); track record of advising senior leadership and HRBPs through complex labour relations challenges; experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving.
Desirable: Law degree or postgraduate qualification in labour law or human resources; experience in multinational or matrix organisations with complex governance; experience in technology or high-growth companies with USA headquarters; certification in labour relations or HR (CIPD, SHRM equivalent).
